Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Grachev Cracks Top 20 Prospects List

In the second installment (11-25) of Hockey's Future's Top 50 prospects, Evgeni Grachev makes an appearance...

18. Evgeny Grachev, LW – New York RangersHeight: 6'4, Weight: 220Selected by the NY Rangers in the third round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Grachev was considered to be a steal by organization brass. The OHL Rookie of the Year for 2008-09, Grachev adjusted well to the North American game and was very impressive in Rangers training camp. Currently a member of the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack, Grachev got off to a slow offensive start this season. However, his size, strength and scoring ability make Grachev’s success seemingly inevitable. Expect him to compete for a roster spot in New York next fall.

...while he's obviously not ready for the NHL right now, with the Rangers virtually eliminated from playoff contention, I'd like to see the Blueshirts bring him up for the final two weeks of the season to get his feet wet. What's the downside?